ESSEX Police have charged a boy following reports of a video being circulated showing a cat being thrown by its tail over a garden fence in Harlow.

The 15-year-old from Harlow has been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and he has been remanded to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Friday 13 September.

He cannot be named for legal reasons under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and this extends to people revealing his identity online. A breach could result in possible legal action.

We have received reports that people have attended the teenager’s address this evening, Thursday 12 September.
The boy remains in our custody and we are providing safeguarding to his family.

We understand the community is upset by the footage, however, we would urge people not to take matters into their own hands and allow the court process to run its course.